What is a social firm?
A social firm is a type of social enterprise that exists specifically to help people who are disadvantaged to find employment – for example, individuals with disabilities or mental health issues.
Doubleclick is a unique, not-for–profit social firm that blends a commercial graphic design agency with creative vocational and employability training made available (via referral) to members of the local community who are in mental health recovery.
Training is designed to develop skills that will help individuals to get back into work, return to education, start a business, retain existing employment or to gain the confidence to enable them to move forward. By using Doubleclick for your graphic design, print or other marketing requirements, you are also helping to fund these people and the wider community.
Why should our business use a social firm?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Goals – Using a social firm like ours may help your company to fulfil your CSR or ESG targets. These policies help demonstrate your commitment to the community, social value, diversity, inclusion, and ethical sourcing, and are increasingly important to stakeholders and consumers. By using Doubleclick you know that your support not only positively impacts members of the local community who are in mental health recovery, and as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that all profit we make is fed straight back into the business.
Enhancing your reputation – Partnering with a social firm like Doubleclick may help to boost your company’s public image as it shows that you are keen to support the local community, and research shows that consumers and clients are more likely to support businesses that are visibly contributing to society, particularly at a local level.
Social Value Act compliance – For public sector contracts, the UK Social Value Act requires suppliers to demonstrate added social value. Collaborating with a social firm like Doubleclick can help a company score higher in public procurement processes.
Access to a diverse workforce – Social firms support people who may otherwise be excluded from work. Working with them supports a diverse, inclusive supply chain — which is shown to improve innovation and workplace culture.
Support for the local economy – Most social firms are community-based so by using them, you may be helping to create and sustain jobs and economic resilience in local areas.
Cost-effective services – Many social firms provide high-quality, competitively priced goods and services. Doubleclick has a highly experienced design team, with decades of experience, but rather than paying an agency premium, as a not-for-profit our costs are always competitive. And, of course, you’re not paying any extra for social impact — it’s added value by simply working with a social firm.